Street racing is an illegal and dangerous activity that puts the drivers and passengers involved in the race as well as innocent pedestrians, cyclists, riders, and other motorists and their passengers in grave danger. When drivers engage in high-speed racing on public streets, they drastically reduce their ability to react to unexpected situations, which increases the chance that they will lose control of their vehicle and cause street racing accidents. The intense speeds and aggressive maneuvers associated with road racing can lead to street racing accidents, resulting in catastrophic injuries and even fatalities.
Street Racing Accidents Fatalities
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost one-third of traffic fatalities in the United States are speed-related crashes and street racing is responsible for an estimated 150 fatalities annually. This is because the likelihood of a fatal crash increases exponentially when speeds exceed 70 miles per hour, a common occurrence in road racing scenarios. These alarming numbers underscore the dangers of this reckless behavior and emphasize the need for strict enforcement.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a street racing accident caused by someone else’s reckless actions, it is in your interest to contact an experienced, local car accident attorney to discuss your legal rights. You do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. A personal injury attorney can help investigate the accident, identify liable parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Half a Dozen People Charged with Street Racing and Reckless Driving in Whatcom County
As reported by MyBellinghamNow.com, half a dozen people under the age of 25 were arrested in three separate incidents in the first week of June. The arrests were made after witnesses reported seeing drivers speeding and making poor lane changes.
Two suspects arrested Saturday, June 6 near Custer will face racing charges while the other four arrested for the previous two incidents from June 3 and June 4 all face reckless driving charges.
Street Racing Charges in Washington State
Street racing is illegal in Washington and can result in serious criminal penalties. Under RCW 46.61.530, a person may be charged with racing if they willfully compare or contest relative speeds by operation of one or more motor vehicles or willfully demonstrate, exhibit, or compare speed, maneuverability, or the power of one or more motor vehicles, including “drifting.” These actions shall constitute reckless driving under RCW 46.61.500, which means a conviction carries the same criminal classification and potential penalties as reckless driving, including being charged as a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Additional consequences may include driver’s license suspension and impacts to a person’s driving record.
In plain English, Washington law states that racing can occur “whether or not such speed is in excess of the maximum speed prescribed by law.” In other words, actions such as racing another vehicle, performing dangerous driving maneuvers, or showing off a vehicle’s capabilities may lead to reckless driving charges and other consequences even when a driver is not traveling above the speed limit.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
